Happy Hogmanay! by Fiona Phipps

I have memories of a New Year almost spent in Aberdeen Fiona, many years ago; the year of the bread strike down here, and the big freeze up there. The roads were so bad we had to stay trapped in for three days and just managed to get back on New Years Eve. The hospitality was fine though and the whisky was flowing freely. (-: Happy New Year to you....

And a very happy Hogmanay to you Fiona, my nannas family were Anderson's from Fraserburgh, so I love the tartan, is it yours, and your lovely message is just lovely, we'll be celebrating tonight, and we still let the New Year in, in the old tradition which nobody else seems to do down here, usually my husband's out on his own 🤔

Nothing to worry about then Jim taking in your last sentence.....the hospitality was fine and the whiskey flowing freely! Ha ha....yes Linda, push hubby out the back door before midnight armed with coal, a bottle, bit of bread and salt and don’t let him in the front door until the end of the bells. Not my tartan Linda, I’m a MacDonald, McCue, Malone......lots of Mac’s and Irish names. Lang may Ya lum reek!

I smiled as soon as I saw this very jolly cartoon, Fiona. He has real character and a spring in his step. The lyrics bring Andy Stewart to mind and the bells of midnight. Thought your watercolours were beautiful, by the way. Thoroughly enjoyed Best Brian

Splendid chap Fiona ...ready for first footing. My mum was a Maxwell from the lowlands. I noticed that son number two has legged it back up to Path of Condie to celebrate tonight. Enjoy.

Lovely ! Made me smile Fiona, Happy Hogmanay to you Fiona and the best for 2018

Thank you Brian. God yes, Andy Stewart.....blimey there’s a blast from the past! Many thanks Sylvia, I hope your year will be blessed with all that you wish for. The same to you and your family David.....happy new year! X

That's good Fiona, and a Happy Hogmanay to you and friends and Family.

What a jolly chap he looks Fiona I think he's started celebrating already! Happy Hogmanay to you and yours and here's to a super 2018!

Och aye Fiona - I'm a McLeod in my younger days! Happy Hogmanay to you and all across the border!

He's a wonderful jolly fellow Fiona. Happy Hogmanay to you and yours -looking forward to all your exciting paintings in 2018.

What a cheerful chappy... I love the words of the poem/song too. Looking forward to seeing your work on POL next year, Fiona - you have a unique style and such creative ideas...

Happy Hogmanay Fiona. Here’s to a great arty year ahead. This evening I will be in my studio which I have cleaned out and made tidy for the year ahead. When I am there I am in heaven. What more can anyone ask. Congratulation on your competition wins. You will have to give me some tips.

Super sketch and accompanying words Fiona - Happy Hogmanay to you, and here's looking forward to a good painting year in 2018!

Thanks Richard, I was going to do a sheep in a kilt...lol but pinched this idea from google, not all mine. Have a great arty year ahead and a happy new year to you! Margaret I think you’re right he’s already had a few drams...thank you. Ah Marjorie, I knew you had some good blood in you...lol Slangevar!

Carol, thank you very much! May the coming year be filled with good health, a fire in your hearth and bread in your cupboard. X Thank you Jan that’s very kind....happy new year to you! I hope your year is one long journey of inspiration John and it’s good to start the new year off with a clean and tidy house, so you are all set! Thank you for your help on my journey this year. Health and happiness to you and your family. Many thanks Jenny, happy new year to you and I look forward to seeing your creative designs in 2018!

Love it will make next year much better happy New year to you Fiona

Same to you Fiona hope you have a great painting year .

I wish you Fiona a Very Happy and creative New Year! X

It seems funny I never really got to think your Scottish , but your a MacDonald and that'll do for me Fiona

Gave me a big smile - love it Fiona.

Dennis and Dennis, Satu and Michael....thank you. My fondest wishes to you all for a year filled with luck, peace and joy! And.......lots of time to paint and inspire! X

He's fab Fiona and Happy New Year from me x

Looks like he’s had a few wee drams already Fiona! Happy Hogmanay and happy painting in 2018!

Ahh gorgeous man Fiona! happy New Year to you🍷🍷

A touch of Lewis to this....Donald where's your threwsers. Happy new year Fiona and thank for your comments over the last year.

Great. Happy New Year Fiona and best wishes for a very creative 2018.

Louise, Tessa, Carole, Andre, Sandra.....you should see him this morning....not a pretty sight, I don’t know which one of us looks the worse! Lol Thank you all very much for your good wishes, I hope you will enjoy a year of health and happiness and one or two lovely surprises. X